If you've got a rose plant, and you are constantly asking yourself "Why won't my rose grow properly?" then the question you really need to be asking is "Am I taking proper care of my rose?"

A growth problem could be down to a number of things, and although many hybrid and modern rose varieties are self sufficient plants, they do require some basic maintenance. It all depends on what you put into the plant. If you're happy having average roses, then leave them be. If you want roses that prize winning gardeners (or at the very least, the neighbors), will be jealous of, then you need to make particular efforts at pleasing this plant.

Pruning

Pruning is the problem that stumps most gardeners. However, there is plenty of good advice online, including how to guides with pictures, to show you how to properly prune your rose plant. Pruning is a fine art, acquired with years of practice and dedication. Some consider it a tedious task, whereas others take great pride (and pains) in their pruning techniques. Following some simple advice can make the task much easier, and proper pruning can dramatically improve your rose grow for the following summer season.

Feeding

Not feeding the plant can prevent growth potential from being fulfilled. Use a liquid fertilizer mixed with water once a month to infuse the soil with essential nutrients; enabling full rose growth. Cover the ground surrounding the base of the rose plant with mulch, such as wood chippings, or fresh lawn cuttings. This will also keep the soil in conditions that compliment a rose grow cycle, and help prevent diseases.

Watering

For effective growth, you'll need plenty of water. Water the soil little but often, ensuring that the plant has the equivalent of 1 inch rainfall each week (so monitor weekly rainfall during and match your watering accordingly). The flowers themselves should be sprayed with a fine mist every day to help keep them healthy. If you rose plant shows the early signs of disease, remove the infected branch with pruners, and hose down the entire plant. This can help prevent the infection from spreading.

Light/Space

Rose plants look fantastic as single features, or as a main feature of a bed, surrounded by other plants. However, the rose growth will use up a lot of the grounds nutrients, and the flowers will require enough space to gain good light. Before filling up the bed with lots of complimentary plants, discuss with your flower store which plants best suit the environment you intend to place the rose in, and how much space they recommend.

If you think your rose grow is limited by nearby plants, then the best thing to do is to remove the other plants, rather than transferring the rose bush itself. Let your rose grow and bloom all summer round, and deadhead regularly to ensure new blooms are always on the way. This is not so important if your rose only blooms once a year, but it is still good rose growing practice.